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Wadi Rum is a perfect place to get away from it all, to leave behind the hustle and bustle of modern life, and to simply enjoy what nature has to offer. Wadi Rum is relatively remote, as far as tourist attractions go, and it is almost completely void of modern human development. Visiting this area can be a refreshing reminder of the awesome power of nature, and can really stir up some deep thoughts about our role here on this planet. Apart from that, it is a beautiful, majestic place that is a must-see if you plan on visiting Jordan!

The landscape of Wadi Rum, which has been formed naturally over millennia by the forces of wind and rain, is made up of monstrous monolithic rock formations, which are reminiscent of skyscrapers. T.E. Lawrence described these rockscapes as “vast, echoing, and God-like”, and I would have to agree. When you’re on the ground, these rock formations look impossibly large. They reach heights of up to 1750m, so they are quite huge even by modern standards.

If you plan on visiting Wadi Rum, your first stop should be the Vistors’ Center. Here you can get information about the area, hire tour guides, rent 4×4’s, and more. The rock formations at Wadi Rum form a daunting maze, so it is not advised that you venture too far into them without a guide. If you’d like to take it slow and enjoy the hike, you can hire a tour guide to accompany you on foot, and you can even rent a camel to help carry your gear. Either way, be sure to visit some of the most amazing attractions, including the Burdah Rock Bridge and the Seven Pillars of Wisdom. The Burdah Rock Bridge stands at a whopping 35m high, and is widely considered to be one of the highest natural arches in the world. For overnight stays, you can either pack your own camping gear, or rent a Bedouin tent to sleep under the stars in a rustic, traditional Arab camp.

Another common activity in this area is rock climbing. The massive formations of Wadi Rum form a daunting task for rock climbers and mountaineers. If you’re up for a challenge, there are many rock faces that are considered expert climbing grounds. If you prefer to be a bit more cautious, there are plenty of smaller, easier climbs to undertake!

If you plan on visiting Wadi Rum, be sure to pack both cool summer clothes and warm winter clothes. The desert climate of this area can be quite hot during the day, and extremely cold at night. January is generally the coldest month, with temperatures ranging from 4°C to 15°C. July is the hottest month, with temperatures ranging from 19°C to 36°C. Temperatures at night can be surprisingly frigid, so it’s a good idea to come well prepared. Also, while packing, keep in mind that the culture of the local Bedouin’s is far different from western cultures. In Wadi Rum, revealing clothing will be considered disrespectful, even in extremely hot weather. The Bedouin’s are a kind, welcoming people – so long as you respect their wishes and acknowledge their vastly different culture.